DHS officials said Border Patrol and ICE agents in Minneapolis have faced escalating violence during "Operation Metro Surge," including vehicle-ramming incidents reported "today" and "yesterday." Greg Bovino said suspects were apprehended and that arrests targeted violent offenders, including a registered sex offender. DHS accused some local leaders of inflammatory rhetoric, while the Justice Department opened a civil rights probe after protesters disrupted a church service.
DHS Says ICE and Border Patrol Agents Were Rammed by Vehicles During Minneapolis 'Operation Metro Surge'
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino speaks during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul, Minn., Tuesday.(Getty Images)
Department of Homeland Security officials told reporters Tuesday that Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel have faced escalating violence in Minneapolis during a large enforcement effort focused on criminal immigration cases. DHS officials said vehicle-ramming incidents occurred as recently as "today" and "yesterday."
Greg Bovino, introduced at the briefing as the commander at large for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assets in the Twin Cities, said agents were struck by vehicles in two separate episodes. "I believe we had a vehicle ramming today. We had one yesterday," he said, adding that in one incident a civilian vehicle was also hit and that both suspects were apprehended. No further details were released.
Marcos Charles, executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, left, and Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino speak during a news conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building Tuesday, in St. Paul, Minn.
"Our operations are lawful, they’re targeted and they’re focused on individuals who pose a serious threat to this community. They are not random, and they are not political," Bovino told reporters.
Bovino appeared alongside Marcos Charles, acting executive associate director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, as DHS described what officials called a sharp rise in arrests and confrontations tied to "Operation Metro Surge." Bovino said the operation targets violent offenders, and listed recent arrests he said included a registered sex offender convicted of crimes against a child, along with individuals charged with rape, domestic assault and other violent offenses.
DHS officials said federal officers have been "violently and aggressively assaulted" during the operation, citing thrown objects and damaged vehicles, but stated enforcement activities have continued. Bovino also accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of using "heated rhetoric" that he said contributed to a hostile environment for federal agents.
Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino speaks during a news conference Tuesday in St. Paul, Minn.
At the same briefing, Charles was asked about the officer involved in the Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Goodon. He said the officer is "recovering at home," but did not clarify whether the officer remains on administrative leave or is participating in the operation.
The Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the disruption of a Minneapolis-area church service after protesters stormed a service over a perceived ICE connection on Sunday. Bovino criticized that disruption as unacceptable, saying it resembled an organized disturbance rather than spontaneous local opposition.
When questioned about allegations of improper conduct by agents, Bovino rejected the claims and maintained federal personnel act in a "legal, ethical and moral" manner, suggesting many confrontations involve organized agitators rather than ordinary residents.
Requests for comment from Gov. Walz’s office, Mayor Frey’s office and the Minneapolis Police Department were not immediately returned to reporters.
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